Extendable foldable mirror

ABSTRACT

An extendable foldable mirror for use on a vehicle is a side view mirror that is longitudinally extendable. A mechanism is provided for moving the mirror ( 10 ) from a first normal viewing position to a second longitudinally extended position. The mirror element or mirror housing is adjusted in response to extension or retraction of the mirror to provide a consistent viewing picture.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a foldable extendable mirror. Morespecifically the present invention relates to a foldable extendablemirror that is rigidified in the extended position and which hasnumerous inputs for sensing various conditions and reacting to thoseconditions.

BACKGROUND

In the past it has been problematic to provide mirror structures whichallow for trailer towing positions when necessary but which may beretractable for “normal” operating conditions. Additionally this problemis further exacerbated by the necessity of having the mirrors foldable.It is necessary to fold the mirrors (and mandated in some countries)such that the outside mirrors are foldable into a certain dimension inorder to meet legal requirements and practically speaking in order tofit in certain parking areas without hazards to pedestrian or othertraffic.

Additionally, because of the lengthy extension when towing, it isnecessary to protect against unwanted extension of the mirror. Sincepower fold mechanisms are required to fold and/or extend these mirrorsthere is a possibility of folding or extending the mirror into obstaclesor the like.

Therefore, it is necessary to reduce the possibility of unintentional orundesirable folding or extension of the mirror.

Additionally, most towing mirror extensions or attachments requiremanual adjustment of the mirror surface to compensate for mirror angleat the extended position. This requires adjustment manually afterextension such that the proper rearview sighting picture is obtained.This can be both cumbersome and time consuming.

The subject mirror solves these problems with a novel combination offeatures.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In the present invention, there is provided a side view mirror for avehicle, which is longitudinally extendable. The mirror of the presentinvention includes a mechanism for moving the mirror from a first normalviewing position to a second longitudinally extended position, such asfor trailer towing or the like. The mirror also includes a mirrorhousing for retaining the mirror element in the housing. In the firstaspect of the present invention, a mirror adjustment mechanism is usedfor providing adjustment from a first predetermined position to a secondpredetermined position in response to the extension or retraction of themirror along the longitudinal axis of extension. Thus, the mirrorautomatically adjusts for a trailer-towing angle when the mirror isextended, and to a “normal” angle when the mirror is retracted.

In a second aspect of the present invention, a control module is usedfor controlling extension and retraction of the mirror. The controlmodule is operably interfaced with the wiring circuit of a vehicle, suchthat it can sense the existence of a trailer light circuit. A lockoutmechanism is provided for locking out the extension capability of themechanism when the trailer light circuit is not sensed by the controlmodule.

In another aspect of the present invention, the mechanism includes athroat-cover portion and an inner throat portion, wherein thethroat-cover portion extends over at least a portion of the inner throatportion. A mirror or other element may be attached such that thethroat-cover portion covers the mirror when the mirror is in the firstinboard position, and is uncovered and is visible to the driver whenextended in the second towing position.

In another aspect of the present invention, a mechanism is provided forrigidifying the assembly. This mechanism includes a way of loading theextension mechanism via motors in the extended position, whichrigidifies the system.

Additional advantages and features of the present invention will becomeapparent from the subsequent brief description of the drawings and theappended claims, taken in conjunction with the description of thepreferred embodiment set forth below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the mirror and control module asdescribed in the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a extendable foldable mirror as setforth in the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the mirror of FIG. 2, showing the mirrorin a folded position;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the mirror of FIG. 2, showing the mirrorin an extended towing position;

FIG. 5 is a plan view of the control module shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is an embodiment showing an extension mechanism for use with themirror of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a detailed view of the rack and pinion type arrangement forextension of the mirror;

FIG. 8 is a section taken along line 8—8 of FIG. 6;

FIG. 9 is a plan angle view showing the reflective elements of themirror of the present invention in the retracted position;

FIG. 10 is a view showing the mirror elements changed for a secondextended viewing position for towing of a trailer;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the mirrorextension mechanism in accordance with the teachings of the presentinvention;

FIG. 12 is a view of the mirror of FIG. 11, showing the mirror in anextended position;

FIG. 13 is an exploded view of the mirror extension mechanism, as shownin the mirror of FIG. 12;

FIG. 14 is a sectional view taken along line 14—14 of FIG. 12;

FIG. 15 is a sectional view taken along line 15—15 of FIG. 14;

FIG. 16 is a sectional view taken along line 16—16 of FIG. 12;

FIG. 17 is a block diagram of the operating software for the retractfunction of the subject invention;

FIG. 18 is a block diagram of the operating system for the extendfunction of the present invention;

FIG. 19 is a block diagram of the operating system for the powerfold/park function of the present invention;

FIG. 20 is a block diagram for the power fold view function of thepresent invention; and

FIG. 21 is a block diagram for an axial scan feature of the presentinvention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a foldable,extendable mirror, shown generally at 10. The mirror 10 is extendable toa towing position, best shown in FIG. 4, or retractable and usable in anormal position, as shown in FIG. 2. Additionally, the mirror can bepivoted and is foldable, as shown in FIG. 3. In a preferred embodiment,the mirror is foldable and extendable or retractable by way of power.However, as can be readily appreciated, the mirror is also manuallyextendable in certain embodiments.

In the preferred embodiment, when the mirror is controllably extendableand foldable, a control module 12 (see FIG. 5) is provided forcontrolling the mirror functions. The control module 12 includescircuitry and user interface inputs for controlling functions of themirror. For instance, in a preferred embodiment, the mirror has memorycapabilities, which are controllable by memory buttons 14. The use ofmemory positions for mirrors is known and conventional. However, in thepresent invention, the memory system is used for automaticallycompensating for mirror extension or retraction positions. Memory buttonset 14 includes three memory positions for drivers 1, 2 and 3, forinstance. Each of these positions further includes automatic adjustmentof the mirror surface between a retracted and extended positions forproviding a proper sight picture.

Additionally, the control module includes a folding-in positioningbutton set 16 on the first side of the folding position button set, andincludes a first button 18 and a second button 20 for folding of themirror or viewing of the mirror, and whether the vehicle needs to havethe mirror folded for parking, storage or the like. On the left handside buttons, 22 and 24 control extending the mirror in and out, outinto the towing position and back into the retracted position. Buttons26, 28 and toggle movement button 30 are used to adjust the mirror paneitself. Additionally, on the upper hand of the controller, indicationlights are provided for the following mirror functions. In the presentcontroller, functions are provided for mirror extend 32, power fold 34and mirror memory 36. Additionally, a trailer mode light 38 is provided,which is indicative of the trailer towing wire harness being connected.Also provided is an indicator light system 40 for power in the presentapplication, and an auxiliary light 42, which may be programmed to anyspecific function as may be desired, such as for use as an obstaclealarm.

Referring to FIGS. 6 through 8, there is shown a detailed view of theextending and folding mechanism of a first embodiment of the presentinvention. A mechanism for extending the mirror from a first inboardposition, to a second extended, towing position, is generally indicatedat 44. This mechanism generally includes an I-beam rack 46. I-beam rackincludes an upper leg 40, a center connecting leg 50, and a lower leg52. Upper leg 40 has an inboard surface 54 and lower leg 52 has aninboard surface 58. In a preferred embodiment, surface 58 includes gears60 for forming a rack.

Frame 62 is operably attached to the mirror housing 64, for guiding theI-beam rack. The frame includes an I-beam channel 66, which acts as aguide for the I-beam rack 46. The frame 62 includes an aperture 68 foroperable attachment of a motor system 70. Motor system 70, includes apinion gear 74 operatively attached to a motor 72, which is operablyconnected thereto for driving of the rack relative to the frame.

Also, a second motor system may be provided in an alternate embodiment70 a. The second motor system may also be provided on the other side offrame 62, as shown at 70 a. Frame 70 a includes motor 72 a, pinion gear74 a. Thus upon actuation of the extend button on the controller, themotors drive the frame system along the rack 62, and extend the systemto its end extended position. Stops are provided, such as those formedon a surface of the guide tracks of the mirror casing (e.g., seeelements S1, S2, S3, and S4 in FIG. 13 ), for the limits of themechanism. At the stops, the motors are overdriven, such that tension isplaced on the assembly between the rack and the frame to providerigidity into the system.

A basic pivot mechanism 78 is shown. Pivot mechanisms such as that shownin U.S. Pat. No. 5,971,554, hereby incorporated herein by reference, arereadily utilized. Additionally, power fold mechanisms may also beutilized as are conventionally known in the art. In the power foldfeatures and also in the extension features, there is an over-currentsensor circuit within the motor, that if the mirror attempts to extendin a direction which is blocked by an obstacle, the mirror will notcontinue extending but will retract to its previous position.

Referring now to FIG. 4, it can be shown that the mirror extensionsystem includes an outer throat cover portion and an inner throatportion, 80 and 82, respectively. As can be seen from this figure, asthe mirror extends, the outer throat cover portion reveals the innerthroat portion 82. This leaves a few different options as to whatindicia can be placed on the inner throat portion to be revealed upontowing. For instance, the throat may contain a spotter mirror and/orspotlight, generally shown at 84, or other indicia as may be desired ina particular application. Additionally, on the upper portion, there maybe indicia such as a logo or a towing insignia to indicate that thevehicle has a load it is towing, as shown in 86.

A still further feature of the present invention, is automaticadjustment of the mirror surface 88. As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, themirror of the present invention automatically compensates for extensionin the mirror angle in the extended position. This feature is availablefor mirrors that have memory in their system. Thus, in the retractedposition, the mirror is in a first position for rear view mirror viewingconventionally. In the extended mirror position, the mirror changes to asecond angle, which is conducive for towing of the vehicle such that nomanual actuation or adjustment of the mirror is necessary (unlessdesired by the driver).

In a still further embodiment of the present invention as set forthabove, the control unit senses whether a trailer towing light harness isconnected into the vehicle wiring system. If the light harness isconnected, the mirror can extend via the manual actuation of the button,or the control unit also could provide automatic extension of the mirrorupon initial sensing of hook-up of the wiring harness for a trailertowing light.

In accordance with the present invention, the control module also has anautomatic track feature, such that the towing mirror retracts from thetowing position when either the trailer electrics are unplugged, theignition is switched off, power fold of the mirror is selected, or ifabnormal forces are detected, i.e., someone leaning on the mirror.

Additionally, in a still further aspect of the present invention, themirror has a cruising position, such that when cruising, the mirrorglass goes to a still further position which provides partial retractionfor improved aerodynamics during towing operations.

Referring now to FIGS. 11 through 16, there is shown more detail of analternate embodiment of the foldable extendable mirror of the presentinvention.

In accordance with an alternate embodiment of the foldable extendablemechanism of the present invention, there is shown a foldable extendablemirror 100. Referring now to FIG. 12, there is shown an exploded view ofthe foldable extendable mirror 100. As set forth in FIG. 12, the mirror100 includes a bracket 102, which is attachable to a vehicle. In theembodiment shown, the bracket 102 is a sail attachment. The bracket iscovered by an aesthetic cover portion 104. A cassette 106 is operativelyassociated with the bracket portion 102 and cover portion 104 forfolding. A motor mechanism 108 is provided and secured onto the cassette106 by the clip member 110. Thus, in operation, the motor operates tofold the cassette mechanism, and thereby the mirror, upon input from thecontrol module.

The mirror casing 112 includes guide tracks 114 and 116. Cooperatingsurfaces 118 and 120 are provided on the cassette 106 for sliding alongguide tracks 114 and 116. Stabilizer guides 122 and 124 are provided forstabilizing the sliding engagement between the cassette 106 and themirror casing 112. Motor mechanism 126 is provided for powering therelative movement between the mirror casing 112 and the cassette 106. Asecurement clip 128 holds the mirror mechanism in place on the cassette106. The mirror casing is finished with a scalp portion 130. The mirrorelement itself, 132, is held in place by way of backing member 134,which is attached to the casing by way of attachment member 136. End cap138 is provided for holding the folding assembly together.

Referring now to FIGS. 12 through 16, there is shown more detail of thefoldable extendable assembly.

Referring now to FIG. 14, the motor mechanism 126 actuates a threadedshaft member 127. Threaded shaft member interacts with nut assembly 129and is pivoted in the second end 131. The nut 129 is operativelyattached to the mirror casing 112, such that upon actuation of the motormechanism, the mirror casing extends or retracts until reaching the stop133. Thereafter, the motor is overdriven in order to lock rigidity intothe system.

Referring now to FIGS. 17 through 21, there is shown flow chartsdemonstrative of the software control utilized in the present invention.With respect to the electrical system used by the subject invention, asuitable central processing unit is utilized as is known to thoseskilled in the art. In the control block functions of FIGS. 17 through21, the following parameters apply. All switch inputs are converted torising edge pulse signals during processing. The towing plug input isconverted to a pulse on upon the fall of an input signal. Afterinitiation pulse into the CPU, all operations in the attached flow chartcontinue in an automatic sequence. Status markers are set at the end ofthe auto sequence to register if the mirror function is completed.Additionally, status markers are set at the end of the auto sequence toregister if mirror functions are not completed. Signals used todetermine whether a function is completed or not may be derived from oneor more of the group consisting of timer or time delay, motor currentmonitor, hall effect proximity inputs, pulse counts from a rotatingshaft or encoder, and/or pulse frequencies from motor commutators.

With respect to the functions, the control system allows the mirror toextend outboard and retract inboard. The mirror also has the feature ofan extended interlock from the vehicle towing plug connection and aretract initiation if the vehicle towing plug is disconnected. Themirror includes extended interlock with the mirror power fold and powerfold interlock with retract. As set forth above, the mirror reflectivesurface viewing angle is made after extend and retract functions. Inaddition, the mirror axial scan function in conjunction with theextending viewing angle compensation may be selected, or a mirror axialscan is also available in retract viewing angle compensation.

Additionally, the software allows extend and retract obstructionsensing, and emergency cancellation of extend and initiation of retractfunctions, if necessary. The software also provides for extend andretract failure to complete sequence alarms. In addition, upon vehiclecentral locking, the mirrors automatically retract and power fold may beinitiated, if desired.

As set forth in the drawings, the following abbreviations of Table 1 areused:

CPU Central Processing Unit or Local Control System; STATE Logical HIGHor LOW level of an input/output or point of CPU memory, AND Logical ANDstate; ANI Logical AND INVERSE state; OR Logical OR state; ORI LogicalOR INVERSE state; OUT Non-latched high state point of memory, output ordriver; SET Latch high state of memory, output or driver; RST Forcedreset to low state of memory, output or driver; PLS Conversion to apulse from a high or low state signal; MKR “Marker” point of CPU memory;and P/B Push button manual input on vehicle.

Referring now to FIG. 18, extend features of the present invention areillustrated. The vehicle senses a power on condition, as set forth inblock 100. Upon having an extend pulse from the switch as set forth in102, and having a signal in block 104 that the towing plate isconnected, the mirror begins to extend if the mirror is not in the powerfold position as shown in 106. Therefore, the mirror extends via blocks108 and the extend marker is set in the CPU at block 110. If the extendretract output off and lock timer is not tripped at 112, the set extendoutput and in-rush current sense delay is actuated 114, to provide anover current for structurally locking. The mirror mechanism takes placevia the current sense limiter loop 118 until the proper over current isreached and the reset extend output and process markers 120 are set.Upon completion of the stroke at block 122, the software sensescompletion of the stroke and enables the inboard viewing angle at block124, and after the viewing angle compensation is completed, the extendprocess complete marker is set in the CPU. If the block on 122 does notsense an end of stroke, the extend process alarm marker is set and themirror automatically retracts (see block 130).

With respect to FIG. 17, the retract function is shown. Again, a poweron block is the initial sequence. Thereafter, if the pull plug isdisconnected such as at 132, the central locking pulse is detected 134,or if the push button retract is pressed 136, the retract marker is setat 138, and then the retract function begins at block 140. If the extendretract output is off as to the interlock timer, the motor begins toretract at block 144 and the motor current sensing 146 is enabled. Uponreaching the current sense limits by loop 148, motor current sensing ismonitored along with retract output marker 150 and end of stroke sensing152. If end of stroke sensing is not completed, block 154 comes intoplay and the alarm marker is set off and the process of retraction isstopped. However, if the end of stroke sense is complete, the outboardview angle compensation is made at block 156 and the view angle iscompleted by block 58 and, thereafter, the CPU is set to a completeretract process marker for further processing.

Referring now to FIG. 19, the power fold park function is set forth.Upon sensing of a manual switch 162 or a central locking lock pulse 164,and after sensing that the retract sequence is completed at block 166,the park completed block is initialized at 168 and the park functionmarker is set at 170. If the view/output park inlet timer is off at 172,the park output and in rush current sense delay is activated and thepower fold mirror begins folding to its folded inward position. Motorcurrent sensing is enabled at block 176 and the current sensing loop 178is utilized for providing the proper folding of the mirror to a certainpredetermined position 180. Thereafter, the end of stroke sequence issensed at block 182. If the power fold mirror is incomplete orobstructed, an alarm marker goes off and the mirror stops its movementby block 184. Otherwise, the end of stroke sense is made and the parkprocess is complete at 186.

Referring now to FIG. 20, the power fold view function is actuated firstby sensing that the power is on, and that either a power fold view pulseis received from the manual switch at 188 or the central locking andunlock pulse is received at 190. If the mirror is sensed to be fullyretracted at block 192, the view function is initialized by block 194and the view function is begun at 196, sensing the park output offinterlock 198. Thereafter, the view output pulse is generated at 200 andcurrent motor sensing begins at 202, and continuing to the limit setforth in the loop 204. At the end of the limit, the output and processmarkers are set at 206 and the stroke is monitored by 208. Thereafter,the reflective viewing angle memory recall block is used to set themirror for the proper viewing position. After the memory recall iscompleted at 212, the view process is complete and the CPU reset 214.

Referring now to FIG. 21, the actual scan feature of the presentinvention is shown. Again, the power on condition must be met at block100. Thereafter, if reverse gear is selected at 216 and the conditionsenses that the mirror is in the extend position at block 218, twoconditions may be applied. If the mirror is not at the extendedposition, the mirror can be toggled by a manual switch to view thevehicle axle back to the viewing position for the driver at block 220.Thereafter, if reverse gear is deselected at block 222, the mirrorsurfaces return to the memory position by block 224, and the processoris reset at block 226. If the mirror is in the extended position, themirror is set to toggle manually by box 228 to view the trailer axleposition at 230 or back between the trailer and the vehicle axle.

The foregoing discussion discloses and discusses merely exemplaryembodiments of the present invention. One skilled in the art willreadily appreciate from the discussion that various changes,modifications and variations can be made in the present inventionwithout departing from the spirit and the scope of the invention asdefined in the appended claims.

1. A side view mirror assembly for a vehicle, wherein said side viewmirror assembly is longitudinally extendable, said side view mirrorassembly, comprising: a mechanism operably associated with said sideview mirror assembly and selectively operable to extend said side viewmirror assembly from a first inboard position to a second extendedtowing position; wherein said mechanism further comprises a mirrorcasing and a cassette member which are moveable relative to one anotherfor extension and retraction of said side view mirror assembly; whereinsaid mirror casing includes at least one track and said cassette memberslideably engages said at least one track for providing movementtherebetween; wherein said at least one track in said mirror casingincludes a stop at an end thereof, said mechanism being selectivelyoperable for driving said mirror casing relative to said cassette memberto said stop, and biasing said mechanism toward driving movement beyondsaid stop for placing structural tension on said side view mirrorassembly; wherein said at least one track is a slot and said cassettemember includes an engagement member for sliding engagement of saidslot.
 2. The mirror assembly of claim 1, wherein said mechanism furthercomprises a worm gear drive mechanism for creating relative movementbetween said mirror casing and said cassette member.
 3. The mirrorassembly of claim 1, wherein said mirror casing includes a pair oftracks and said cassette member includes a pair of engagement membersattached to said cassette member for engaging said pair of tracks.